Topical Encyclopedia
The term "betook" is an archaic English word that means to commit oneself to a course of action or to go to a place. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to individuals or groups who set out on a journey or commit themselves to a particular path or action, often under divine guidance or command.
Biblical Usage and ContextThe concept of "betook" can be seen in various narratives throughout the Bible, where individuals or groups are called to embark on journeys or missions. While the specific term "betook" may not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is present in the actions and decisions of biblical figures.
1.
Abraham's Journey: One of the most significant examples is Abraham, who was called by God to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. This act of obedience and faith is a foundational moment in biblical history.
Genesis 12:1-4 states, "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.' So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran."
2.
The Exodus: The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is another profound instance where a group betook themselves on a journey under divine direction. Led by Moses, the Israelites left the bondage of Egypt to journey toward the Promised Land.
Exodus 12:37 records, "The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, with about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children."
3.
Paul's Missionary Journeys: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently betook himself on missionary journeys to spread the Gospel. His travels were marked by divine calling and guidance, as seen in
Acts 13:2-3 : "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
Theological ImplicationsThe act of betaking oneself in the biblical sense often involves a response to God's call, demonstrating faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises. It signifies a willingness to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown, relying on divine guidance and provision. This theme is central to the biblical narrative, illustrating the journey of faith that believers are called to undertake.
Related Concepts·
Faith and Obedience: The journeys undertaken by biblical figures often required immense faith and obedience to God's commands, serving as examples for believers.
·
Divine Guidance: The concept of being led by God is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of seeking and following God's will.
·
Pilgrimage: The idea of a spiritual journey or pilgrimage is reflected in the physical journeys of biblical characters, symbolizing the believer's journey toward spiritual maturity and fulfillment of God's promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp.) of Betake.
2. (v.) imp. of Betake.
Library
Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva...
... CHAPTER 8. Concerning Masada And Those Sicarii Who Kept It; And How SilvaBetook
Himself To Form The Siege Of That Citadel. Eleazar's Speeches To The Besieged....
The Cruelty of the Idumeans when they were Gotten into the Temple...
... that were now awakened made a cry, the whole multitude arose, and in the amazement
they were in caught hold of their arms immediately, andbetook themselves to...
Fragment xvii. On the Fortunes of Hyrcanus and Antigonus, and on...
... government. Afterwards, however, along with Hyrcanus and Phas??lus his brother,
he was driven out, andbetook himself in flight to Antony....
The Mountain Home
... madman, as his wife now regarded him. To Nicholas hebetook himself, and
told his mournful tale. Nicholas said to him that it would...
The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras...
... 1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to
prosecute their civil dissensions, theybetook themselves to make...
The Expedition of the Philistines against the Hebrews and the...
... 1. Now while the city of Kirjathjearim had the ark with them, the whole body of
the peoplebetook themselves all that time to offer prayers and sacrifices to...
Concerning the Revolt of the Trachonites; How Sylleus Accused...
... and to commit Antipater to Caesar's protection, the Trachonites spread a report
as if he were dead, and revolted from his dominion, andbetook themselves again...
The First Five Years of Reign.
... Maximian, after he had quarreled with his son,betook himself to Gaul and made alliance
with Constantine by giving his daughter Fausta in marriage (307)....
Of the First Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... And with these three brethren St Francisbetook himself to prayer, then, having
recommended himself and his companions to the prayers of the brethren who were...
Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... Whereupon the kingbetook himself to thanksgivings and sacrifices to God; after
which he presently went over all that country which he ruled round about, and...
Thesaurus
Betook (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp.) of Betake. 2. (v.) imp. of Betake.
Multi-Version Concordance
Betook (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:2
...David (1052 Occurrences)
... The king of the Philistines would not admit him into his service, as he expected
that he would, and David accordingly nowbetook himself to the stronghold of...
Betray (29 Occurrences)
Usual (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 17:2 Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and
for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (WEY)....
Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... The allied forces were encamped at Engedi. The king and his people were
filled with alarm, andbetook themselves to God in prayer....
Demas (3 Occurrences)
... who was for a time a "fellow-worker" with Paul at Rome (Col, Philem), but at last,
"having loved this present world," forsook the apostle andbetook himself to...
Bet'onim (1 Occurrence)
Bet'onim. Betonim, Bet'onim.Betook . Multi-Version Concordance Bet'onim
(1 Occurrence).... Betonim, Bet'onim.Betook . Reference Bible.
Successive (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:2 Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and for three
successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (WEY)....
Sabbaths (53 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:2 Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, and for three
successive Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (WEY DBY WBS YLT NAS...
Moses (9295 Occurrences)
... Moved by fear, Moses fled from Egypt, andbetook himself to the land of Midian,
the southern part of the peninsula of Sinai, probably by much the same route as...
Resources
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